The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My eight year old daughter read this book to me. She absolutely loved it! It’s such a cute little book with great pictures to go along with it. Trezzie was of course her favorite as she loves anything mermaid. Highly recommend for your littles!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was good for my 8 and 9 year old daughters. They love mermaids, and this book was no exception. This was a quick read for both girls, who are still working toward being strong, independent readers.
Trezzie the Mermaid has found a rock that she thinks is interesting, and gives it to her friend Maia. Maia is playing with another friend, Fig, who can’t see Trezzie and feels left out when Maia and Trezzie are playing together. Trezzie wants Maia and Fig to try to figure out what the design is in the stone she hands them, but due to Fig making a water magnifying glass, they are able to see that it’s not a design, but rather a small creature.
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lauren and Nyree. Lauren is a bit marked she’s been tasked with mentoring Nyree. Trouble is happening again and Lauren wondering if the new girl is involved. Lauren and Katie friendship is on tender hooks as a rumor is going around the school. Really cute read.
Oliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this story. It explained adoption in easy to understand terms for kids! Most importantly the messaging was that it doesn’t matter whether you live with adopted parents or birth parents so long as they love you. A cute, engaging read!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass is the third book in the Mermaid Science series by Lois Wickstrom. It is a bright, interesting, entertaining, and educational children’s story that takes them on a cute adventure while also teaching and inspiring them to learn about science.
We follow the cute characters, Maia, Fig, and Trezzie (whom we know from the previous books) on a new science adventure, where they make a magnifying glass out of a drop of water. We readers are shown the steps to the ‘science experiments’, which are simple to understand and duplicate easily at home.
The characters are cute, quirky, and endearing…. And along with the bright and colourful illustrations, they bring the whole story to life.
The use of fantasy teamed with science, engages both imagination and inspires learning.
Another cute addition to the series!
Happy reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another cute story in the continuing Mermaid Science Story. I love how once again the author has managed to introduce a new scientific experiment into the story while also making it interesting as well. While this one isn’t my favorite of the series, I did thoroughly enjoy it. I love the use of the mermaid but just hate that both characters can’t see her. That’s the reason one of the characters believes it is made up. I feel that it would be a nice inclusion for all the characters to be able to see her. Once again the illustrations are beautiful and eye catching. I am sure that your kids will love this. And not to mention, it’s a great way to include another science experiment into your home.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maia, Fig, and Trezzie are teaching science again! This trio does a great job in such a simple way. However, Fig isn’t able to see Trezzie so things just seem to happen in front of her. Trezzie brings them a treasure that has a pattern on it but they can’t see it. With the help of a plastic box, they finally discovered that they had a trilobite, which is a fossil. The plastic box, along with some water, acted as a magnifying glass to help them see what they were holding.
I love this series and how it’s teaching simple lessons about science!! These are great books to share with your kids and grandkids. They would be great in a homeschooling environment as well.
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Lauren’s friend Katie starts a gossip wall for the school online magazine, posts pour in about the possibility of supernatural presences at Amberwood Hall. Classmate Alfie is determined to root out the spirits, and Lauren worries for her ghost friends, Grace and Rodney. But when rehearsals start for the House Choreographics Cup, the rumors take on a more sinister turn and Lauren faces losing her best friend if she can’t find who is behind the wicked whispers.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, and it is also the third book in the series. I recommend reading the first two books before reading this one, so you will get the backstory and will understand what’s going on. But this book was amazing, and I do recommend everyone to read this series. The characters were wonderfully written, the plot is amazing also.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maia, Fig and Trizzie the mermaid, are once again found at the water’s edge. Exploring the wonderful world of Science. I love reading books to children that are more than just a story. In this story the children will read and go hands on with this project. There is a big difference between hearing and seeing something done. This author has once again impressed me with her writing skills. Including the breakdown to make the project. The story is fast paced and intriguing. It will keep your little reader reading. I highly recommend this children’s book, and hope you work along with your child.
Review@cinful
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book that I have read from this series, and my favorite part are the cartoon like cute illustrations! At an extremely close second, my favorite part is at the end with the explanation of the science experiment. This is a great book to read to little ones, and have them absorb this type of learning. Then one day they grow up and read it for themselves! I love these books.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trezzie and her friends are back with a whole new science experiment. I have enjoyed reading all the mermaid books so far and so have the toddlers I am
A nanny for. The author has done a great job with these books.
review by @xchellex
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maia and Fig are looking for stones to build a tower. Their friend Trezzie, who is a mermaid, gave them a special stone – a stone with a design on it. Trezzie, Maia and Fig build a magnifying glass using water droplets to see what the design is. They find that it is a creature – a trilobite fossil, a creature from long ago. It is amazing what we can find in nature, and how we can use nature to study the world around us.
This a great book addition to any children’s or classroom library.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great story in this series. We again follow Fig, Maia and their playmate a mermaid called Trezzie. Maia shows Trezzie how to make a magnifying glass so she can study her art. This short but sweet picture book is perfect for 6-9 year olds to teach them simple and fun tricks they can try themselves. Highly recommended.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
It’s hard for Fig to comprehend Trezzie because she can’t see her. Trezzie encourages Fig and Maia to see the design. So Fig decides to make a magnifying glass. With Trezzie’s help Fig is able to see that it’s a creature by making a magnifying glass. I love the extras after the story with tips about magnifying glass.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass is another story in this educational series. Lois always makes her stories fun. They are adventurous whilst at the same time a learning tool. The writing encourages children to participate in the adventure along with learning about a magnifying glass and fossils. It is aimed for children between 4 – 8 years. The illustrations are bright and colourful, and bring life to a story that is easily imagined and entertaining.
Fig, Maia and Trezzie are back in this new adventure where they learn a new trick with the help of one of the treasures from the treasure box.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute read! Full of captivating pictures and scientific facts this is a great book for children to help with science and for children who are interested with science. It was quick paced and very educational. I can’t wait to read this book to my daughter when she gets older because I think she would definitely enjoy it once she gets old enough to understand the science concepts!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another cute story about the relationship between Fig, Maia and her mermaid friend Trezzie and how they can learn different scientific skills from each other. I think it is adorable that Fig just can’t see Trezzie and still seems on the fence as to if Maia is actually talking to a mermaid or if she is just making it up. I enjoy that there is a mermaid involved in the story to help engage kids in learning about science. This particular story deals with how to make a magnifying glass using a clear container and water droplets. I love the easy to read story line and the artwork is well done. The author does a great job of clearly explaining the science at the end of the story in a way that young children will be able to understand. I absolutely recommend this story to anyone looking for a cute children’s story.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love that Lois mixes imaginative characters with science!! These books are so cute, interesting for young readers, and make science easy and fun to learn. They are very unique and I would highly recommend!
This particular book has two young girls building a rock tower by the water. One can see the mermaid and the other cannot, but that does not make her any less real. We learn about magnification and trilobites! SO FUN! The illustrations are adorable as well 🙂
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a short book that is a nice way to get younger children interested in science. Maia and Fig enjoy a visit from the mermaid Tezzie as they are playing by the waterside. Fig shows Maia how easy it is to use water and a transparent plastic container like a microscope. They learn that a simple rock can be something much more interesting. I like that at the end of the story there is a short section that explains the science behind the story and shows it in easy terms for children to understand.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the science adventures of Maia, Fig and Trezzie. This story has wonderful illustrations and my great nieces and nephew love the story and I learned something new myself!! Trezzie comes across a small stone that had a picture on it, but it was so small to figure out what the picture was. Fig and Maia learn how to make a magnifying glass to see what the picture was. I thought this was a awesome idea and want to try it myself!! This book is fun to read and I love learning something new as well!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series so much. It is such a wonderful kid’s book. The story uses education and imaginative learning to make this very visual book come to light! I enjoy reading of Trezzie and her friends. I love how she creates wonders with science. This book had a great visual artistic sense, and yet a fun learning experience. I love how the author uses their techniques through out the books to help children learn valuable things, and yet enjoy reading the book! Loved this book! I think all kids should read this book, and others by this author!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an enchanting piece of children’s literature. Science is featured heavily. Characters learn the importance of teamwork. One character even learns to share, and that we can have more than one friend. Readers learn how to use water to magnify small objects. Readers learn how to become scientists through observation.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trezzie, Mia and Fig are back again. This time, we get to learn about magnifying glass. Trezzie found a rock with a pattern. They needed to look at it closer. One of the reasons I love the mermaid books is that they give ideas of hands-on science. The ideas in this book for magnifying glass are cool and things that kids can do a home. The story is fun and engaging. The information is relevant. The pictures are bright and colorful. My favorite science stories to read to my grandchildren. I recommend highly for all younger children.
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~☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆~~~☆
Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at the University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.
Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays for children.
She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.
Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children and four grandchildren, and a dog. She gardens, rides her bike, and tries to save the planet.
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure series. This book is definitely for younger readers but I still enjoyed reading it. Although I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, I easily connected to Lauren the main character and her friends and family. The opening chapter made me think of my days as a student in school and being part of a group of people who share common interests. I think many young readers would love this series as it includes fun moments with friends and classmates, shared expectations from parents, and it includes some paranormal aspects but nothing really scary.
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Ballet School Rumours is the third book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventures series by Eleanor Dixon. This book continues the Amberwood Hall adventures and is a wonderful paranormal children’s story with ghosts, friendship, drama, fun, mystery, ballet/dancing, and more.
With the school magazine starts a gossip wall it brings an influx of speculation about there being a supernatural manifestation at the school. With rumours flying and causing problems things get complicated and friendships are threatened… Is there something sinister at play? What happens makes for an intriguing read.
I have enjoyed following this charming series, and this book is a wonderful addition to the other two books. It could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading right from the beginning to fully appreciate the story and characters.
Another great little story for all ages!
Thank you, Eleanor Dixon!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading this. This book has a target demographic of young teen but let me tell you it is such a cute quick read that I, a grown woman, loved. It has the typical teen drama like gossip, not liking the younger students, and the normal growing pains. This book has an amazing storyline and great characters that everyone can relate to, whether that is a teen or an adult reliving their childhood. The whitty ghost really makes this a page turner. I wanted to know what would happen next. There are great life lessons in this book that I wasn’t expecting. I would highly recommend this book to any one. I would especially recommend it to any teen that is starting to have a love for reading. They will relate to it and feel accomplished since it is an easy read. If they pick up on the life lessons in the book that is just an added benefit.
Reviewed by @bbohls
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a beautiful parallel story between two worlds for any young reader. This is a great book for teens reading that will find it entertaining, fun, and filled with great characters.
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ballet School Rumours (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Book 3) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Maryn Belling
Many readers will discover Amberwod Hall’s students are like their own classmates despite the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean between the UK and the US. The universal languages of classical ballet and modern dance join characters across more than 200 years. With both age-appropriate social foibles (gossip, irritation with younger students) and desires for freedom, even boarding-school students experience natural consequences.
Parents, teachers, and caregivers will appreciate interwoven messages about work-ethic, teamwork, responsibility, kindness, honesty, and friendship. As the adage goes “when you spill tea, it stains you, too”.
Students will enjoy the escape to England with both real academic contexts and supernatural bonuses coinciding with the competitive ballet school environment. It’s an especially good selection for students who aren’t ready for the more mature content of Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars series but have outgrown My Sister the Vampire series.
New vocabulary opportunities for students fluent in US English are also present.
Tags: Ballet School Rumours, Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Series, Eleanor Dixon, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Teen, Kids, Family, Maryn Belling, June 2022
Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My daughter has a new love for reading and this brought up a great conversation about how every family is different. This book as usual with this author, was done so well, the illustrations were bright and eye catching. WIll be getting this book to add to our library shelve here at home.